I am an avid reader. Thankfully my Nook helps me save both space and money while feeding my reading addiction. I love homemaking (decorating, crafting, canning, cooking, etc.) but housekeeping is not one of my strengths. So I am always reading articles and books on how to get my home organized and reduce clutter.
Now, with downsizing, that has become an even more important issue.
Down-sizing forces you to make choices and those choices aren’t always easy. In my reading, I found two statements that have inspired me to make the choices that need to be made:
“Surround yourself with things that you need and use and that bring you joy.”
– from Frazzled to Freedom by Julie Starr Hook
“Small spaces give us the opportunity to live sincerely,
forcing us to choose which of our possessions make our hearts sing.”
– from Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen
I applied these principles when choosing what items to display above my kitchen cupboards. To be honest, a few of the items are “filler” until I find something I love more, and a few are there temporarily until I have time to complete the projects of which they will become a part. However, most of the items have found a place in my home because I love them. Many pieces of my ceramic cow collection have been gifts from my husband and sons.
The “Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage” cookie jar sat for years on my Grandma Hamar’s kitchen counter, and she always kept if full of cookies for the grandkids.
It reminds me of the amazing influence she was on my life and encourages me to always speak words of love and life into the heart of my granddaughter.
The “Home is where the Herd Is” cross-stitch was a gift stitched by my sweet sister-in-love
and the cow perched on the bench with the coffee cup was a handmade gift from another precious sister-in-love. They fit with my “Coffee & Cream” theme
as well as remind me of the importance of nurturing family ties.
I love surrounding myself with items that bring joy and fond memories to my heart and soul!
As always, counting my blessings and loving that God gifted me with a Heart 4 Home!
Pam